By Andrew Phiri

Balaka, March 30, Mana: Police in Balaka District have arrested a 40 -year-old, John Madziadyenji for possessing 1,500 grams of Cannabis sativa commonly known as Chamba without a licence.

According to Balaka Police Station publicist, Inspector, Gladson M'bumpha, the suspect was arrested on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Phalula Trading Centre in the district.

He said community members tipped Phalula Police officers that the suspect was keeping Chamba at his house near Phalula Trading Centre.

"Following this information, Detective Sub Inspector Andrex Ziba of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs with other detectives made a follow up, searched the named place where 1,500 grams of Cannabis sativa was found. The officers seized the substance arrested the suspect," said M'bumpha.

He said arrangement is underway to take the exhibits to Research Station for analysis and confirmation.

 Madziadyenji comes from Phalula Village, Traditional Authority Phalula in Balaka and will appear before court soon to answer a charge of possessing Cannabis sativa without licence.